CH 51

C51 – Success or Failure

Tang Yue personally ground some ink for Wang Zizhao and encouraged him to give it a try. If Wang Zizhao passed the test successfully, it would be a step towards promoting the brush and ink.

Tang Yue didn’t have intentions to profit from this venture. With his knowledge, earning money in this era wasn’t difficult, but he didn’t want to be solely a businessman. His aspiration was to be a skilled physician, achieving success and recognition.

Wang Zizhao dipped the pen’s tip into the ink and earnestly wrote the character “Jin” on the bamboo slip. He firmly declared, “In the future, South Jin will become the ruler of the world.”

Tang Yue had observed Wang Zizhao’s diligence in recent days and could discern his desire for revenge.

Despite being younger than Tang Yue, Wang Zizhao displayed more composure and maturity than many adults. He didn’t lose hope due to his crippled legs, nor did he become recklessly elated because he had a chance to recover.

Wang Zizhao possessed ambition within his chest and aspirations that extended to the world. If he were to become a monarch of his time, he would undoubtedly be a wise ruler.

Tang Yue felt empathy for the people of this era. They suffered from lack of food, clothing, and resources. Their lives were consumed by constant struggles for sustenance. Natural disasters led to countless deaths from starvation and illnesses.

He wasn’t a benevolent person who would offer sympathy without witnessing the suffering firsthand. However, the journey back to Ye City had exposed him to numerous atrocities.

Now that he found himself in the same place, he could only strive to improve his own life as best he could.

“Is North Yue… powerful?” Tang Yue genuinely desired to learn about a country for the first time.

Wang Zizhao set down his brush, placed the ink in his hand aside, and flipped through some documents. “North Yue is merely separated from South Jin by a river, yet the contrast between the two is vast. The south is focused on agriculture and has abundant rainfall, while the north primarily cultivates wheat and suffers from aridity. Despite the similarities between the two regions, the population in the north is more than double that of the south. In terms of both economy and military strength, the north surpasses the south.”

Tang Yue recognized that the northern region of this era differed greatly from the northern region he was familiar with. The northern lands were considered the cradle of civilization, viewing the southern lands as barbaric in comparison.

“How has South Jin managed to survive until now? The two sides have been engaged in conflict for many years, and it seems like South Jin should have been defeated long ago.”

Wang Zizhao raised his head, regarding Tang Yue with a hint of doubt and scrutiny. “The political situation in North Yue is in disarray. The rulers and courtiers lack unity, and heavy taxation burdens the common people. Despite the strength of a country like that, there should be no reason for South Jin to fear.”

Tang Yue realized the situation was unfavorable. Having lived in North Yue for over a decade, he was unaware of this information. Wasn’t he exposing himself?

Although Wang Zizhao harbored suspicions, he didn’t press further. He continued, “While North Yue may be formidable, it is like loose sand. Although South Jin’s strength may not match North Yue’s, the people of South Jin possess unwavering determination and will grow stronger each day. One day, we will overcome North Yue!”

The saying “the heart of man will decide the outcome” wasn’t mere empty words.

“In that case, we can target their imperial court. Whether it’s through bribery or sowing discord, the more we create turmoil in North Yue, the more advantageous it will be for us,” Tang Yue suggested.

Although certain methods were unscrupulous and unsavory, they were exceedingly useful in politics.

That’s precisely why Tang Yue had never aspired to be an official in his lifetime. It was better to listen to such things. If he witnessed them firsthand, he might have nightmares at night.

Wang Zizhao’s face suddenly brightened, revealing a smile. Tang Yue was taken aback by this unexpected change in expression.

He swiftly averted his gaze, cleared his throat, and replied, “It is the duty of a man to stand up and defend the Southern Jin. I was merely speaking without thinking.”

“No, you articulated it quite well. This prince initially believed that you disliked involvement in such matters.”

Tang Yue pondered to himself, “I truly dislike them, but our positions are different, and our considerations vary accordingly.

Even if I desired to be a doctor who remains detached from worldly affairs, I would still need a peaceful environment and a stable life. Otherwise, it would all be empty talk.

Moreover, I am now the young master of Yueyang Marquis’s Mansion, responsible for healing the sick and saving lives.

“If you wish to hear, I can share numerous tales of conspiracies and intrigues for your reference.” This was the advantage of watching countless TV shows and movies. Even without original ideas, one could still draw upon familiar plots.

After all, I have accumulated wisdom spanning thousands of years. I am certainly not inferior to the people of this era.

Wang Zizhao smiled and shook his head. “It’s good that you have such a compassionate heart. It would be best for you to become a healer.” After spending a few days together, he had gained a deeper understanding of Tang Yue’s personality. To be frank, this young master was intelligent but too naive.

Tang Yue resembled a young eagle that had never faced hardships. He lacked vigilance towards danger and worldly wisdom.

Tang Yue suddenly felt slighted. “Never mind. I don’t want to discuss these matters.”

“Tang Yue, you possess the talent of a strategist, but you lack the heart of a strategist. If you continue like this, it will be for the best. However, if one day you change your mind, you will have no choice but to be on my side.”

Tang Yue gazed at the other person’s cold and serious expression, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. “I understand what you mean.”

He also desired to witness firsthand how South Jin would transform under Lee Zhao’s leadership.